STAGE TUBE: Behind-the-Scenes with SHREK THE MUSICAL on CBS Chicago
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Based on the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film and the book by William Steig, CST's 75-minute production of Shrek The Musical will take audiences on an unconventional fairy-tale adventure with everyone's favorite ogre. The production features two Jeff Award-winning actors: Michael Aaron Lindner as the lovable ogre Shrek and Summer Naomi Smart in her CST debut as the spunky Princess Fiona. In support of Mayor Emanuel's Summer of Learning Program, special activities will be offered in conjunction with Shrek The Musical for students to earn a "Bard Badge."
'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for June 12th, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The Tony Awards (aka New York thanks Chicago), 'Motown,' Cole and 'Kiss,' next season from BoHo, Marriott's latest, a new 'Rent,' The Second City and more!
Michael Aaron Lindner & Summer Naomi Smart to Lead Chicago Shakespeare Theater's SHREK Shrek; Full Cast Announced!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announced today the acting company and creative team for Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Based on the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film and the book by William Steig, CST's 75-minute production ofShrek The Musical will take audiences on an unconventional fairy-tale adventure with everyone's favorite ogre. The production features two Jeff Award-winning actors: Michael Aaron Lindner as the lovable ogre Shrek and Summer Naomi Smart in her CST debut as the spunky Princess Fiona. In support of Mayor Emanuel's Summer of Learning Program, special activities will be offered in conjunction with Shrek The Musical for students to earn a "Bard Badge."
'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for April 17th, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'American Idiot' pays a visit, Circle's 'Death Takes A Holiday,' Porchlight's 'Pal Joey,' TMTC's 'Pajama Game,' plus a piano show, two children's shows, Seth Rudetsky and more, including an unbelievable roundup of current shows!
Drury Lane Theatre Presents SEUSSICAL, Opening 4/24
SEUSSICAL, the exuberant children's musical, will be presented from April 24 through June 1 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane. The whimsical production, based on over 14 beloved stories by children's author Dr. Seuss, is Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell, with Musical Direction by Michael Mahler. Drury Lane Theatre also offers families the special opportunity to meet the cast at breakfast with the SEUSSICAL characters on select performance dates, with a kid-friendly buffet-style menu.
OLIVER! Begins Previews at Drury Lane Theatre Tonight
Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, begins its exciting 2013 season with a grand scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical OLIVER!, previewing April 4, opening Thursday, April 11, and running through June 2, 2013. OLIVER! features an all-star cast of 35, led by Heidi Kettenring as 'Nancy' (National Tour of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Broadway in Chicago's Wicked, the World Premiere of Hero at Marriott Theatre, and Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane Theatre); Jeff Award winner John Reeger as 'Fagin' (The Iceman Cometh and A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, Amadeus at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Hamlet at Court Theatre, and Chicago at Marriott Theatre); J.D. Rodriguez as the 'Artful Dodger' (National Tour of A Christmas Story) and Brady Tutton as 'Oliver Twist' ('Tiny Tim' in A Christmas Carol at Drury Lane Theatre). The production is Directed and Choreographed by multi-Jeff Award winner Rachel Rockwell (Ragtime, The Sound of Music and Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane Theatre). Rockwell will direct both her mother, Glory Kissel, who stars as 'Mrs. Bedwin' (Pericles at the Goodman Theatre and Anyone Can Whistle at Ravinia), and her son, Jake Helm, who plays an orphan. Her husband, Garth Helm, provides Sound Design.
'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 27th, 2013
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Catch Me' a 'Big Fish' in the Loop, 'Barnum' and 'Sweet Charity' keep Coleman in the spotlight, 'The Pajama Game' up north, 'Oliver! out west, two from Theo Ubique and more!
Drury Lane Theatre Presents OLIVER!, Beginning 4/4
Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, begins its exciting 2013 season with a grand scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical OLIVER!, previewing April 4, opening Thursday, April 11, and running through June 2, 2013.
Photo Flash: Paramount Theatre Opens ANNIE Tonight
It's the rags to riches story everyone loves. It has the songs everyone loves. It has little girls, little girls, little girls, everywhere you turn, plus one very talented dog. It's the musical everyone's been waiting for: ANNIE, directed by Rachel Rockwell. Bring the entire family and join Annie, her canine companion Sandy, and her pint-sized cohorts for the musical adventure of a lifetime, now through December 30, 2012 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora (now the second largest city in Illinois!) Photos from the production below!
Photo Flash: First Look at Emily Rohm, William Travis Taylor and More in CST's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed by Rachel Rockwell with Music Direction by Doug Peck, featuring Emily Rohm as Belle and William Travis Taylor as the Prince turned into a Beast by an enchantress's spell. This Tony Award-winning musical is filled with lovable characters, beautiful sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers, including 'Be Our Guest' and the beloved title song. BroadwayWorld has the production photos below.
Emily Rohm, William Travis Taylor et al. to Lead Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at CST, 6/28-8/26
Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.
Emily Rohm, William Travis Taylor et al. to Lead Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at CST, 6/28-8/26
Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.